Servings: 12 slices
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: ~260 per slice
The Cozy Apple Cake That Feels Like Home
There’s something timeless about a simple apple cake. No layers. No heavy frosting. Just tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a soft, moist crumb.
This Homemade Italian Apple Cake is beautifully rustic and lightly sweet, letting the apples shine in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that pairs perfectly with afternoon coffee, Sunday family dinners, or a quiet cozy moment in the kitchen.
The batter comes together quickly, and the thinly sliced apples melt into the cake as it bakes, creating a soft, fragrant interior with a golden top.
Simple ingredients. Classic flavor. Effortless charm.
Look at the Recipe
- Soft and moist with tender apple slices
- Lightly sweet with warm cinnamon notes
- Perfect for coffee breaks or family gatherings
Ingredients Needed
Apples
- 3 medium apples (about 450g), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Cake Batter
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- ⅓ cup (80ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Our Italian Apple Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Apples
Toss apple slices with lemon juice and cinnamon.
Set aside to prevent browning.
3. Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy.
Add oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Do not overmix.
4. Fold in Apples
Gently fold half of the apple slices into the batter.
5. Assemble
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Arrange remaining apple slices decoratively on top.
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon if desired.
6. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Serve with:
- Coffee or espresso
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel
Tips & FAQs
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well.
Can I reduce sugar?
Yes, slightly, but it may affect texture.
Can I add nuts?
Yes. Add chopped walnuts for texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use oil instead of butter and dairy-free milk.
